News

Annual Summit – Immigration for EmployersS

On October 16, 2018 public sector partners and private sector companies gathered to learn more about how to be attractive to the talent the region needs in its labour force. The Summit was facilitated by Atlantic Restorative Company and co-sponsored by the Western REN, NS Office of Immigration, and the CBDCs of Yarmouth, Digby/Clare, and Shelburne.

CEO Angélique LeBlanc opens the Summit with a review of the Western REN’s work and successes

Mary-Jo MacKay from the NS Office of Immigration outlines the many opportunities to immigrants and to employers.

Western REN Board Chair, Ron Smith, introducing facilitators

Bill and Gola Carr co-own Atlantic Restorative Company – they provided the keynote presentation and lead the discussions to follow

Keynote presentation – learning about our built in biases

Enjoying the keynote presentation by Bill Carr

Listening to the keynote presentation

Learning about brain science and mirror neurons – why you smile when others smile at you

Employers and public sector people listening to keynote

A full room introduction takes time, but is worth the effort when you learn who is in the room. Immigration Francophone services

Full room check in continues – this couple worked hard to immigrate to NS and are now establishing a business here

During the introductions, large employers in the region spoke to the need to include immigration in recruitment strategies

Likewise, small regional employers (previously immigrants themselves) are also looking to immigration for recruitment.

Regional government representatives on hand, indicating their desire to support local business and grow communities.

Mid-sized employers are also experiencing the need to use immigration to fill labour needs.